Weight gain while exercising

My weight for quite a long time was a 145 to 148, however, I decided to amp up my workout and threw in 45 mins high intensity cardio workout about two weeks ago which I do alternate days, while still continuing on other cardio, and flexibility training for 60 mins on other days. To my surprise when I got on the scales a few days ago my weight is now a 156! My clothes however still fit just the same, as when I was 145. Could I do be doing something wrong? How come a sudden spike in my weight?I just began the calorie counter to keep track on my calorie intake.

I have been trying to lose weight for over two years.

My weight for quite a long time was a 145 to 148, however, I decided to amp up my workout and threw in 45 mins high intensity cardio workout about two weeks ago which I do alternate days, while still continuing on other cardio, and flexibility training for 60 mins on other days. To my surprise when I got on the scales a few days ago my weight is now a 156! My clothes however still fit just the same, as when I was 145. Could I do be doing something wrong? How come a sudden spike in my weight?I just began the calorie counter to keep track on my calorie intake.

An 8 lb. weight swing (either direction) in that short a period a time is much more likely attributed to water gain/loss than fat or muscle. It doesn't sound like you've gained 8 lb. of fat on that time, because you would have had to increase your caloric intake by an additional 3500x8=28000 calories. Similarly, you probably did not gain 8 lb. of pure muscle during these two weeks -- it is very very difficult to pack that much lean muscle on without intense strength training combining with massive protein intake.

On the other hand, it only takes 1 gallon of water to account for 8 pounds, and is easily distributed evenly through your bodies cells to not cause a huge difference in your clothes fit. Your workout sounds good. Try this: try doubling your water intake (counter-intuitive), and reduce your sodium a little, and see if some of that new weight doesn't come off.

--Michael

An 8 lb. weight swing (either direction) in that short a period a time is much more likely attributed to water gain/loss than fat or muscle. It doesn't sound like you've gained 8 lb. of fat on that time, because you would have had to increase your caloric intake by an additional 3500x8=28000 calories. Similarly, you probably did not gain 8 lb. of pure muscle during these two weeks -- it is very very difficult to pack that much lean muscle on without intense strength training combining with massive protein intake.

On the other hand, it only takes 1 gallon of water to account for 8 pounds, and is easily distributed evenly through your bodies cells to not cause a huge difference in your clothes fit. Your workout sounds good. Try this: try doubling your water intake (counter-intuitive), and reduce your sodium a little, and see if some of that new weight doesn't come off.

Right on Michael! I was expecting someone to say she gained muscle, and your advice is perfect. I've heard of people maintaining their weight when they add exercise, and clothes fitting looser, etc. for fat loss/muscle gain. But whenever someone writes in that they gained a bunch in a short time after adding exercise, my first thought is water retention. Drink more water, especially if you exercise!

Right on Michael! I was expecting someone to say she gained muscle, and your advice is perfect. I've heard of people maintaining their weight when they add exercise, and clothes fitting looser, etc. for fat loss/muscle gain. But whenever someone writes in that they gained a bunch in a short time after adding exercise, my first thought is water retention. Drink more water, especially if you exercise!

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